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Frequently Asked Questions
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Sideshow Music has been in the business for many years and has had thousands of qustions asked over that time. I have listed some of the popular questions here, but feel free to contact me directly to answer any questions you may have.
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Why should we choose Sideshow Music over any other service?
How far ahead should we book your service?
Do you require a contract?
What are your rates?
Do you require a deposit requirement?
Do you charge for travel?
Do you offer lighting and other effects?
Can we choose the music?
Do you have any current music?
If you don’t have a song we want--can we bring our own CDs?
Do we need to meet prior to my wedding?
Can we observe an event?
When do we need to return our planner?
Can we change our time when we get closer to our date?
Will your DJ help with announcements?
Your DJ won’t be obnoxious, will they?
How will our DJ dress for our event?
What kind of equipment do you use?
What does your setup look like?
How many DJs are on your staff?
Do you use sub-contracted DJs?
Do I get to meet my DJ?
What time will your DJ arrive?
Is there a charge to have my DJ setup early, even if they won’t be playing music?
What do you need the facility to provide for you?
What happens if my DJ doesn’t show up?
Do you need to see the room you’ll be working in before the day of my event?
Do we need to feed the DJ?
How much should I tip the DJ?
How interactive is our DJ going to be?
Will my DJ be drinking at my event?
I still have additional questions, what do I do?
Why should we choose Sideshow Music over any other service?
We believe that we provide the best service in Northern New England. We pay attention to every detail and make every effort to make every event we do absolutely perfect. I hire and train the best talent, and provide them with the tools to be great DJs.
Finally, at most wedding receptions, the DJ or band "makes-or-breaks" the party. A great DJ means a great party and an event you will never forget, practically regardless of any other circumstances. A bad DJ will send people home early and probably ruin the night, no matter how nice the rest of the day has been.
Truly, the DJ might be the most critical decision one can make when planning a party. We believe you cannot find a higher quality DJ service in the region, and our prices are fair. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
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How far ahead should we book your service?
It depends upon the date. In Maine – some months are at a premium. Some clients choose to contract a year or more in advance, while some are comfortable waiting until several months prior. Saturdays are the busiest nights, so waiting too long to hire a DJ (or any service) for a Saturday night might lead to disappointment. As an added convenience, we only require a minimal deposit, and it is refundable up to 30 days out, so you have some flexibility.
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Do you require a contract?
Absolutely. You should get a written contract from all of your event services. No professional service operates without written contracts, and if a potential service tells you that you don't need one, turn and run! Make sure the contract includes the date, times and location of your event. We always send a written contract, guaranteeing your event details.
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What are your rates?
Our rates vary depending upon the date, time needed, location, package chosen, your specific needs and other variables that can impact the final rate. Rather than just creating a generic menu of prices, we prefer to work with each individual client to create a package that best suits their needs.
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Do you require a deposit requirement?
A small deposit is generally required, but is refundable up to 30 days out. As an added convenience to you, we do not require a prepayment of the balance. We do guarantee your event in a written contract, but no payment is due until the day of your event. You are welcome to make payments at any time.
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Do you charge for travel?
Again, travel charges depend upon the circumstances, which is why we customize packages for each client. We normally do not charge travel for events in the Greater Portland area. Beyond that, it depends upon the distance involved, whether or not the trip will require an overnight stay, etc.
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Do you offer lighting and other effects?
We have several lighting and effects packages. We have what you need from basic effects like fog, mirrored ball, or Kabuki confetti & streamer cannons to more elaborate lighting an effects and displays. Check out our services page for more details.
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Can we choose the music?
Absolutely. It's your party! While we are happy to make suggestions, you have total control over the music that is played at your event. We have clients who choose every single song to be played; we have clients who leave it entirely up to us, and everything in between. And our selection is HUGE – over 55,000 songs and growing weekly!
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Do you have any current music?
We update our music library every week, so we always have the most current music. Please let us know if you have specific songs or artists you want played at your event.
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If you don’t have a song we want--can we bring our own CDs?
Occasionally one of our clients bring their own CDs, often burning a CD of songs for their event. Before you go to an trouble – contact us, as we probably have it. We are happy to play any music you wish to provide in addition to our normal library of choices. Should there be a special song you need that neither of us has, we will attempt to locate and purchase that song for you. We cannot guarantee that a particular song is in print or is available, but we rarely come across a client request that we cannot accommodate.
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Do we need to meet prior to my wedding?
Yes! Sideshow Music wants your day to be not only special – bet not like every other wedding reception you have been to. We do require at least one meeting – more if the client feels it is necessary – about a month prior to your big day. We will go through your event from arrival to last dance. We customize the event to meet your needs, and offer suggestions to make the event flow well.
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Can we observe an event?
We are very hesitant to send potential clients to another client's event (and we will take the same approach in not sending potential clients to your event). Besides the potential inconvenience to our client, there is no guarantee that event you visit will be anything like what you are looking for at your event. If seeing an actual live event is an absolute requirement, we can usually find a client willing to accommodate you, so please ask.
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When do we need to return our planner?
We recommend that you return your planner to us at our meeting about a month prior to your event, if not sooner. This gives us time to look for specific songs requests and to help us fill in any gaps for you. We can also offer suggestions if you are having a hard time finding that special song for one of the formal dances.
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Can we change our time when we get closer to our date?
Typically, we can make minor adjustments to the start and end times of your event. We understand that plans can sometimes change at the last minute, and we try to be as accommodating as possible.
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Will your DJ help with announcements?
Of course we will. We will help Fcilitate your whole function based on what your needs are. Our DJs come equipped with wireless microphones and are happy to make professional announcements and to help coordinate activities at your event, if you want them to. We prefer to plan these activities and announcements with you ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy your event, and there are no surprises or disappointments.
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Your DJ won’t be obnoxious, will they?
Absolutely not! Our DJs are trained to be professional, friendly, courteous and helpful. Additionally, they are trained to handle your event to your specifications. If you want a DJ to lead the "Chicken Dance" , they can do so. If you prefer a more low-key approach, the DJ will gladly accommodate your wishes. At a wedding reception, our DJs are trained to enhance the enjoyment of the event, not to try to be the "star". A wedding day is about you, the bride and groom, not about our DJ.
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How will our DJ dress for our event?
Unless directed otherwise, our DJs wear a tuxedo for weddings. If semi-formal attire is preferred (jacket, tie, dress shoes & slacks) just let us know. For some casual and outdoor events our DJs wear something like a Polo shirt and Khakis.
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What kind of equipment do you use?
Sideshow Music uses state-of-the-art, professional-grade sound equipment and our music library is 100% CD and digital for optimal sound quality.
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What does your setup look like?
Our sound gear is housed in professional road cases and set up on a skirted table to hide wires, supplies, etc. Our set up is designed to enhance the decor of any room.
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How many DJs are on your staff?
We have a staff of 5 professionally trained DJ’s on staff. These people were hand picked and trained by Tap Fitzgerald, owner of Sideshow Music. They have the personality, experience and skills to get the dance floor hopping!
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Do you use sub-contracted DJs?
Never. All of our DJs are hired by us, trained by us and under our control as your DJ. Please remember – this is your event, and our name. You are considering us because you want Sideshow Music to bring the experience and professionalism that people from all over New England have come to expect. Not some part time person looking to fill in and gain experience at your event.
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Do I get to meet my DJ?
Of course! It’s your day – you should get to meet the person who is going to make it work! Owner Tap Fitzgerald is our on staff full-time event coordinator who is at your service to help you plan every detail. The meeting that we schedule a month prior will include Tap and if you have booked one of our other DJ’s, they will be at the meeting also. It is important to us that you get to meet your DJ – and that they hear from you exactly what style you are looking for and what your needs will be.
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What time will your DJ arrive?
Typically our DJs arrive at least 60 minutes before start time. Our sound systems are pre-wired and usually take only 5 minutes to set up, so we've allowed plenty of cushion. Please let us know if you have special needs.
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Is there a charge to have my DJ setup early, even if they won’t be playing music?
Your contract is set up so that you only pay for the actual play time or the time you want the DJ to be completely ready until the last song ends. We do not charge set up or tear down time. Most of the time the DJ starts playing music once the set up is complete. In some cases the DJ is required to set up an hour or two before the start time. Since our DJs are paid for their time, we must start paying them from the time they are ready to go, even if they are not actually playing music. Consequently, we must charge you for the time they are there, regardless of whether or not they play music. Imagine scheduling an appointment with any other professional (like an attorney or doctor), but asking them to come two hours early and wait for you without them billing you. Like them, DJs get paid for their time.
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What do you need the facility to provide for you?
Barring unusual circumstances, we come fully self-contained and only need access to a standard electrical outlet. We prefer a dedicated space near the dance floor where possible.
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What happens if my DJ doesn’t show up?
If this happens, you've hired someone else. In sixteen-plus years and over 2,000 events, we've never missed a single event. We have even played in a blizzard! Sideshow Music is often the first call the many of the local venues make if there is an issue at an event with another DJ service not showing up – or canceling at the last minute.
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Do you need to see the room you’ll be working in before the day of my event?
Almost never. We've worked in every possible situation over the years and can make virtually any room or area work. Again, please let us know if you have special needs.
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Do we need to feed the DJ?
Our DJs do not expect a meal at your event, although it is appreciated. Most Brides and Grooms include all of their service providers in their count. Some couples provide a table near the DJ booth for the DJs and other professionals to dine at. In truth, caterers typically offer the DJs a meal regardless of what our client offers. In any case, if your DJ is offered a meal, it will be consumed quickly and should not effect the flow of your event.
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How much should I tip the DJ?
Tipping is not expected, but our DJs do work hard to provide you with the best possible event and appreciate any show of recognition that you might deem appropriate. Tips typically range from 10% or 20% to "wow, you were incredible and we'll never forget this night!"
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How interactive is our DJ going to be?
This is another great concern of all customers. The answer is simple: our DJs are as interactive as you want them to be. They can be background figures that keep the attention on the bridal party, completely outgoing, or any level that you desire. We are professional entertainers and can handle your requests without a problem. However, you will never hear your DJ yelling or singing into the microphone. We still maintain a degree of professionalism no matter how outgoing you want us to be. We will use our skills professionally and never steal the spotlight.
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Will my DJ be drinking at my event?
If so, it had better be soda! Besides it not only being against state law, our company does not allow any of our entertainers to consume alcohol before or during any event. We are strict on this policy and you have nothing to worry about. We are professionals and act accordingly. We are the professional entertainment for your function – not the guests.
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I still have additional questions, what do I do?
If you have questions or concerns, please fel free to contact us at anytime. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have,
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